The Best Mini-ITX Cases for 2018: 10 Small Form-Factor Computer Cases Reviewed

We rated, reviewed, & compared 10 of the best mini-ITX cases across various budgets. These small form-factor cases are perfect for gamers or anyone else looking to build a mini-ITX gaming PC.

If you’re looking to build a new gaming rig and you want to build something that has a small footprint (whether as a stylistic choice, or for portability), you’ll want to make sure that you choose the right case for your needs. A good mini-ITX gaming case will have plenty of room for your components, come in a lightweight package, have plenty of options to make cable management easier, and have good ventilation to make up for its compact interior.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at a handful of the best mini-ITX cases currently available. We’ve broken this guide down into three sections based on price (mini-ITX cases under $200, under $100, and under $50) to help you find the right option for your budget. If you don’t want to go quite as small as a mini-ITX case, you can also check out our selections for the best micro-ATX cases as well.

Our Top Picks for the Best Mini-ITX Cases

If you’re looking for a quick list of the top mini-ITX cases, we’ve selected what we believe is four of the best options currently available. We’ve picked the best mini-ITX case overall, the best designed, the best value option, and the best budget-friendly mini-ITX case.

*If you want to read our full overviews on our top picks, just click the “Read Review »” button. You can also keep scrolling down to find more options based on your specific budget.

High-End Mini-ITX Cases Under $200

When you’re working with small form factor cases and builds, the available space and airflow that the case offers will play a significant role in your system’s performance.

The best mini-ITX cases give you more space for cable management and offer more airflow, all the while remaining small enough for portability. Most of these cases look amazing, feature innovative designs, and contain high-quality materials—they’re mostly made of steel and aluminum.

If you’re looking for a portable gaming rig to impress your friends when you take it to LAN parties, the sleek cases in this price range will go a long way.

Ranging from 10 to 16 pounds, the cases below can also support liquid cooling systems. These more expensive ITX cases allow for longer graphics cards and more fans, depending on the case and the configuration of your build.

From highly-reviewed, reputable brands, these mini-ITX case options are the best shells money can buy with proven functionality and design.

Visually appealing and hardy, the NZXT Manta case allows room for adequate cooling and heavy-lifting graphics cards. The case weighs approximately 16 pounds and features a large window panel for displaying your handiwork. With twice the cable management space as other cases, the Manta is a good choice for gamers.Learn More

TECH SPECS

FORM

Mini-ITX

USB 3.0

Yes

VGA

14.3″ Max

HEATSINK

6.3″ Max

PSU

Bottom Mounted

FANS

5

NZXT Manta

The NZXT Manta case resembles an ATX tower case reduced to fit Mini-ITX motherboards. For example, deespite its small size, the PSU was still placed at the bottom of the case.

But its reduced size still provides enough space for appropriate cooling using air and liquid cooling units. The case supports up to three radiators and two liquid reservoirs. It comes with two 120 mm intake fans, installed at the front of the case.

The elegant design of the reinforced steel panels makes this one of the most visually appealing cases in its price range—and the curved panels improve the functionality of the case. At 18.5 x 11.6 x 19.4 inches, the Manta offers twice the cable management space compared to some other cases, with numerous cable tie points and massive clearance.

A long space in front of the Mini-ITX motherboard permits graphics cards up to 420 mm long.

With two USB 3.0 ports, two 3.5 mm audio jacks, and the PSU placed at the bottom of the case, the Manta allows for smart LED control. One small button can switch the lights between four settings. NZXT provided no lighting for the system area.

The large window panel on the side of the case is one of its chief selling points, though you can buy a windowless option. NZXT sells the Manta in black and white, black and red, and all black.

Weighing approximately 16 pounds, this compact system makes a sleek, impressive case for any gaming rig.

The 13-pound SilverStone FT03B-MINI tower keeps temperatures down with a thermodynamic design and support for entry-level liquid cooling. This aluminum and steel Mini-ITX case is a low-maintenance chassis with a super-mini footprint. Equipped with four vents and no cable connectors, this case is a great option for experienced builders.Learn More

TECH SPECS

FORM

Mini-ITX

USB 3.0

Yes

VGA

10″ Max

HEATSINK

3.2″ Max

PSU

Bottom Mounted

FANS

1 x 140mm

SilverStone FT03B-MINI

Half the size of the original FT03B micro-ATX case, the SilverStone FT03B-MINI case is a unique mini-ITX form factor shell with a compact and minimalist design. SilverStone reconfigured its Fortress FT03 for mini-ITX motherboards, improving on the original case and remaining true to its most well-received features.

Weighing less than 13 pounds, the FT03B-MINI measures 13 x 11 x 19 inches, making it one of the smaller cases available in its price range. The black outer shells are 2.5mm-thick sandblasted, anodized aluminum panels. The enclosure itself is made of steel.

The FT03B-MINI’s thermodynamic layout encourages stack effect cooling, with the Mini-ITX motherboard mounted at a 90° rotation as is common in SilverStone cases. Hot air naturally rises to the top and exits the vents on four sides of the case. SilverStone includes a 140mm Air Penetrator intake fan and supports entry-level liquid cooling.

With two USB 3.0 ports and audio jacks for both headphone and mic, the FT03B can accommodate graphic cards up to 10 inches long and supports one 3.5-inch drive and two 2.5-inch drives. It uses an SFX power supply and does not contain cable connectors—the removable back cover was designed for external cable management.

The FT03B-MINI’s efficient, organized layout requires careful adherence to the factory instruction manual for maximum optimization. The super-mini footprint is ideal for gamers looking to save space or grab their system and go. A removable bottom filter prevents dust buildup and makes for easy maintenance.

At 16.6 x13.1×15 inches and just over 20 pounds, the Thermaltake Core P1 is a compact and lightweight mini-ITX. It’s encased with 5 mm tempered glass giving you visibility and easy access to your internal component, and it includes two USB 3.0 ports and one HD audio connection. With two internal 120mm fans, it can keep your system cool while you’re gaming, and it won’t break the bank with its under $100 price tag.Learn More

TECH SPECS

FORM

Mini-ITX

USB 3.0

Yes

VGA

14.96″ Max

HEATSINK

4.7″ Max

PSU

Adjustable

FANS

2 x 120mm

Thermaltake Core P1

The Thermaltake Core P1 is a mini-ITX case that menses in at 16.6 x13.1×15 inches and weighs just over 20 pounds. Its tempered glass design makes it a visually attractive option, allowing everyone to see the inner workings of your genius set up.

It has two 2.5-inch external drive bays. Internally you have one 3.5 inches and one 2.5-inch option. The Core P1 has five expansion slots and can accommodate a 6.7×7.6-inch motherboard (aka a mini-ITX).

The front I/O panel features two USB 3.0 ports and one HD audio connection. It optionally runs a Standard PS2 PSU.

There are two 120mm internal fans on the left side of the case which provide the system with adequate cooling ability. There are some models in this category that can accommodate more fans, so if overheating is a concern, be sure to research those.

In terms of the case clearance, you have a CPU cooler height limit of 6.69 inches, and a VGA length limit of 14.96 inches. The radiator measures in at a thickness of 1.78 inches without the fan. Your radiator width is limited to 4.72 inches, and your PSU can’t be longer than 7 inches.

This budget friendly option comes in at under $100, but it looks like some of the more expensive model’s available thanks to the tempered glass aesthetic.

Best Mini-ITX Cases Under $100

Mid-range Mini-ITX cases and towers give you the best of both worlds for your rig: affordability and quality. The best cases in this price range offer enhanced portability, design, and expandability.

Ranging from 10 to 17 pounds and covering between 9 and 18 inches per side, these cases tend to be a bit smaller than higher-priced models. They support both air and liquid cooling systems, include ample ventilation, and support graphics cards up to 13 inches. They’re mostly made of aluminum and plastic.

If you’re looking for a stationary gaming rig or a small average-use system, these shells give a range of options and styles to fit your budget. Many include pre-installed fans and power supplies as optional components.

This price range also optimizes the functionality of modular drive cages, which you can remove depending on your needs and preferences. The smaller size of these cases makes innovation in expandability a necessity.

There are more options to choose from in this price range, and they’re all reliable choices. Depending on your needs for your PC, you can use these cases to house a small form factor capable of high-performance computing.

Ideal for gamers interested in building a rig with liquid cooling, the Phanteks Enthoo Evolv is a visually impressive Mini-ITX case with support for careful cable management. With room for several fans and a graphics card up to 13 inches long, this case can support a high-performing build.Learn More

Like most other Mini-ITX cases, the Enthoo Evolv offers two USB 3.0 ports and audio jacks for both headphone and mic. The case comes with a removable hard-disk drive cage. Depending on your configuration, the case fits a graphics card up to 13 inches, up to two 3.5-inch drives, and one 2.5-inch drive.

This Phanteks model particularly satisfies with the space allotted for cooling mechanisms. The case includes one 200mm fan in the front and can be upgraded to fit additional fans. Specifications suggest up to five 120mm fans, five 140mm fans, or one 200mm fan. Vents on the back assist in airflow.

The case also offers extensive support for water cooling. With an innovative mounting system and radiator brackets for easy installation, this is a great choice for robust liquid cooling.

The Enthoo Evolv is also equipped with dust filters in the front and the bottom.

Regarding visual design, this is one of the nicer-looking Mini-ITX cases, with an irregularly shaped, transparent red window in the side panel.

Perfect for the gamer-on-the-go, the futuristic design of the BitFenix Prodigy Mini-ITX Tower offers enhanced customization with its modular drive cage. With room for large GPUs depending on the configuration, and with two 120mm fans included for ventilation, this sleek case allows a wide range of options for the creative builder.Learn More

TECH SPECS

FORM

Mini-ITX

USB 3.0

Yes

VGA

12.4″ Max

HEATSINK

7.1″ Max

PSU

Bottom Mounted

FANS

5

BitFenix Prodigy

The BitFenix Prodigy Mini-ITX Tower case makes an immediate impression with its sleek, futuristic design. Weighing 17 pounds and made of steel and plastic, this compact Mini-ITX shell is 9.8 x 15.9 x 14.1 inches and features two easily-grabbed handles perfect for a portable gaming rig.

At the bottom of the case, two matching feet of the same material as the handles support the configuration.

The side panel provides two USB 3.0 ports and HD audio jacks, and the case ahs room inside for graphics card as long as 12.5 inches long (with HDD cage removed). If you’re using a modular PSU design, the cage comes in handy, but it can be removed for extra space. The Prodigy case can fit up to five 3.5” hard disks or 2.5” solid-state drives.

With vents on the side and the bottom of the case and two 1000 rpm, 120mm fans included, this tower provides adequate cooling for your components. One fan is mounted at the front and one at the rear, with room for additional fans if desired. By removing the modular drive cage, you can also make room for 240mm water cooling radiators and graphics cards up to 12.5 inches.

Resembling a larger ATX tower at a fraction of the size, this case model from BitFenix is a great option for builders concerned with expandability, customization, and visual appeal. For the price, its functionality matches with more expensive Mini-ITX cases.

Ideal for the average computer user and stationary gaming rigs, the Corsair Obsidian 250D Mini-ITX case allows for an impressive number of cooling units and drive customization. Builders looking for an affordable Mini-ITX shell with ample ventilation will be pleased with this unobtrusive, cube-shaped model.Learn More

TECH SPECS

FORM

Mini-ITX

USB 3.0

Yes

VGA

11.4″ Max

HEATSINK

3.7″ Max

PSU

Bottom Mounted

FANS

Up to 5 Fans

Corsair Obsidian 250D

The Corsair Obsidian 250D is a cubic case with a design consisting of hard, clean lines. Weighing less than 10 pounds, the aluminum, steel, and plastic case measures 13.8 x 10.9 x 11.4 inches. Tall feet at the bottom elevate the case off of any supporting surface.

With two USB 3.0 ports and audio jacks for both headphone and mic, the Obsidian 250D offers comparable functionality to other Mini-ITX cases. But due to its size and its blocky shape, this shell would support a stationary gaming rig better than one intended for portability.

On the inside, the Mini-ITX motherboard is to be installed horizontally in the top half of the case. The walls provide an impressive number of cable routing tie downs, so cable maintenance should prove particularly easy.

This model from Corsair can fit two 3.5-inch drives and two 2.5-inch drives. Depending on your configuration, the shell is also capable of fitting a 5.25-inch drive, a full-sized PSU, a 290mm graphics card, and a 240mm radiator fan.

The Obsidian 250D includes a 140mm intake fan at the front, where 200mm or 120mm fans can also be mounted, and a 120mm fan on the side, where two 120mm fans can be mounted in a removable support brace. Liquid coolers with 120mm radiators can also be installed here. Two 80mm fans can also fit at the rear of the case.

Vents in each side and back panels assist the flow of air. Dust filters can be easily removed from beneath all intakes.

The budget-friendly Thermaltake SUPPRESSOR F1 is built for outstanding ventilation and expandability. Symmetrical and interchangeable side panels allow for a customizable look, and modular HDD racks support up to four data storage drives. This case supports liquid cooling and can fit a CPU cooler up to 140mm.Learn More

With two USB 3.0 ports and audio jacks for both headphone and mic, the case offers dual 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch drive bays. Depending on your configuration, you can install up to four data storage drives with the included modular device racks, a great feature at this price. A dual expansion slot supports cards up to 255mm.

This model from Thermaltake also supports careful cable management with 80mm of allotted spacing. A removable power supply unit dust filter makes for easy maintenance.

Built for outstanding ventilation, the SUPPRESSOR comes with a 200mm intake fan pre-installed in the front and two 80mm fans in the rear. With some modification, the case can also fit a 120mm, 140mm, or 200mm fan in the front.

The shell has vents on both sides and in the back to assist the flow of air, and the case provides ample space and support for a liquid cooling system. The SUPPRESSOR can fit a tower central processing unit cooler up to 140mm.

On the top, the panel is equipped with a transparent viewing window. However, the side panels are all symmetrical and interchangeable—they can be relocated to match your needs and preferences. This is one of the most attractive design features for this case.

Best Mini-ITX Cases Under $50

Oddly enough compared to the higher price ranges, this budget-friendly price range includes one of the heavier Mini-ITX cases due to an all-steel composition. Another reviewed case is one of the smallest.

Ranging from 7 to 18 pounds and covering between 10 and 14 inches per panel side, these budget-friendly cases sacrifice some of the other shells’ pre-installed fans and power supplies but continue to bring an impressive degree of innovation to the table.

While not as aesthetically pleasing as some of the higher-priced shells, these affordable gaming PC cases can house small form factors in near silence while still supporting both air and liquid cooling systems. These cases support graphics cards up to 11 inches long.

Though you’ll have fewer case options in this price range, the brand names should be familiar. These models are more affordable versions of higher-priced cases, with fewer components included and different material composition.

If you’re looking for a case to fit a small budget, but you don’t want to sacrifice much in the way of ventilation and component layout, take a look at these impressive Mini-ITX cases for your gaming rigs. They’ll allow you to spend more on your internal components.

Ideal for noise reduction, the Thermaltake Core V1 is a steel Mini-ITX case with excellent ventilation. Symmetrical and interchangeable side panels allow for a customizable look, and a pre-installed 200mm fan keeps the system cool. This case supports liquid cooling and can fit a tower CPU cooler up to 140mm.Learn More

TECH SPECS

FORM

Mini-ITX

USB 3.0

Yes

VGA

11.2″ Max

HEATSINK

5.5″ Max

PSU

Bottom Mounted

FANS

Up to 3 Fans

Thermaltake Core V1

The Thermaltake Core V1 is a budget-friendly cube intended to support a high-performance gaming rig. Weighing approximately 18 pounds and measuring 12.4 x 10.2 x 10.9 inches, this Mini-ITX case is made mostly of steel and would be ideal for a stationary build.

This case is heavier than most others due to its steel composition. Other cases are made largely of aluminum. The steel material helps in noise reduction, so the Core V1 is perfect for a gamer who wants no distractions from a whirring PC.

With two USB 3.0 ports and audio jacks for both headphone and mic, this model from Thermaltake can fit two 3.5-inch drives and two 2.5-inch drives. Dual expansion slots support cards up to 255mm.

Depending on your preferences, this case can support multiple configurations with both air and liquid cooling systems. The Core V1 includes a 200mm fan pre-installed at the front of the case, with room for a 120mm or 140mm fan. At the rear, the case supports two 80mm fans.

Vents in the side panels of the shell allow for maximum ventilation. The Core V1 can fit a tower central processing unit cooler up to 140mm.

On the top, the panel is equipped with a transparent viewing window. However, the side panels are all symmetrical and interchangeable—they can be relocated to match your needs and preferences. This is one of the most attractive design features for this case.

Prioritizing functionality and affordability over form, the SilverStone Tek SG05-LITE Mini-ITX case includes an impressive 120mm intake fan in one of the smallest shells available. Wide vents assist in ventilation. 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch drives will fit alongside a 10-inch graphics processing unit.Learn More

TECH SPECS

FORM

Mini-ITX

USB 3.0

Yes

VGA

10″ Max

HEATSINK

3.2″ Max

PSU

Top Mounted

FANS

1 x 120mm

Silverstone SG05-LITE

An incredible bargain, the SilverStone Tek SG05-LITE is less than half the price of the black SG05-USB3.0 and offers much of the same functionality. Smaller and lighter than the SG05, the SG05-LITE weighs less than 7 pounds and measures 11 x 10 x 14 inches.

While this case offers less in aesthetic design than others, its compact layout allows for a high-powered gaming build.

Engineered for use with Mini-DTX and Mini-ITX motherboards, this SilverStone offering balances cooling and quiet. The case includes a massive 120mm intake fan mounted in the front for positive pressure cooling and supports retail-boxed CPU coolers. A fan of this size is unprecedented for small form factor builds, and it pulls its weight, reaching 1200 rpm.

The wide and numerous vents in the side and on the top of the case’s white, plastic shell allow for ample airflow to assist in the ventilation of the components.

The Tek SG05-LITE offers two USB 3.0 ports and audio jacks for both headphone and mic. It accommodates graphics cards up to 10 inches long and supports one 2.5-inch drive and one 3.5-inch drive.

The main difference between the SG05-LITE and the higher-priced SG05 is the 80 Plus certified SFX 300W power supply included in the costlier model. Though not included here, the remaining functionality and the impressively light, mini-cube size makes the SG05-LITE a true bargain. The LITE model allows for greater flexibility in choosing components at a more affordable price.

The Cooler Master Elite 110 is a compact, modestly priced mini ITX that weighs in at under six pounds. The portable system can house an 8.3 inch GPU, a 3-inch CPU cooler, and a PSU up to 7.1 inches long. It supports an internal 120mm water cooling system and has space for two fans.Learn More

TECH SPECS

FORM

Mini-ITX

USB 3.0

Yes

VGA

8.3″ Max

HEATSINK

4.7″ Max

PSU

Top Mounted

FANS

2

Cooler Master Elite 110

If you’re looking for a mini-ITX for well under $50, the Cooler Master Elite 110 is a strong contender. Its mesh front panel design provides excellent airflow from front to back, and the internal 120mm water cooling system front fan and 80x15mm side fan work to keep the system cool and running at max capacity.

It measures in at 10.3 x 8.2 x 11.1 inches, and weighs just under six pounds, making it a lightweight and portable option.

Internally it can accommodate a GPU up to 8.3 inches long and has two expansion slots. You can store up to three HDDs/SSDs, and you have four 2.5-inch device bays and three 3.5-inch device bays to work with. It’s worth noting that there isn’t a 5.25-inch device bay on this model, and while you won’t find it at this bargain price point, you can find one for as little as $20 more if you need that option.

The max VGA card length is 8.3 inches, and the max CPU cooler height is 3 inches. If you want to utilize the full cable management capabilities, your PSU is limited to 5.6 inches long. With less cable management, you can stretch that to 7.1 inches long.

The system supports standard sized ATX power supplies up to 180mm long. The front I/O panel includes connectivity for two USB 3.0 ports and one audio in and out port.

What You Want from a Mini-ITX Case

Building a computer can be one of the most rewarding experiences, and the thrill is only amplified by the creativity required to put together a PC in a smaller case.

These are some of the best Mini-ITX cases currently on the market, and you should be able to find an option to meet your needs and preferences no matter your budget. These builds have exploded in popularity over the last few years, likely due to the opportunities for innovative design.

Your choice will likely be based on the components you want to include inside the case, how you intend to use your rig, and what these various cases can support.

With an impressive focus on ventilation and layout, these cleverly designed cases allow for portable and stationary gaming rigs or average-use computer systems. If you’re interested in building a Mini-ITX rig, try out one of the cases reviewed here.

The InWin (Chopin) case is one of the best mITX cases out there for an extreme compact HTPC build. I built one for my 55″ HD TV in my living room. It’s simply stunning in the way it looks. I blends in well with my other entertainment media devices. I posted all the specs on my website below. Let me know what you think. Take care.

Primary Sidebar

About Me

Hey, I’m Brent. I’ve been building computers and writing about building computers for a long time. I’m an avid gamer and tech enthusiast, too. On TechGuided.com and the Tech Guided YouTube channel, I review PC hardware, peripherals, and various tech products to help you find the right product for your needs. Have a question? Just leave one below on any of the posts on the site.